Delve behind the former 'Iron Curtain' to find medieval charm, a rich culture infused with religious devotion and some confronting reminders of WW2 on Insight Vacation's Highlights of Eastern Europe.
Budapest the Queen of the Danube
Begin your tour in Budapest, the Queen of the Danube. Hungary is unique in Europe for its language and culture. Join a local expert for a drive up to Gellert Hill. Gaze out over the Danube dividing Buda from Pest - the two sides linked by the Chain and Elizabeth Bridges. Then ascend Buda's Castle District to visit Matthias Church. Admire the immense facades of the Parliament building from the Fisherman's Bastion. Over in Pest, drive down Andrassy Boulevard and visit Heroes' Square.
The Damsels and Dragons of Krakow
Enjoy a gentle drive into Slovakia and through the breathtaking Tatra Mountains, where peasants still live in traditional wooden houses. See the picturesque Oravsky Hrad Castle before crossing into Poland and continuing to historic Krakow. In the morning, join a local expert to tour Krakow - for centuries the seat of Poland's kings. Ascend Wawel Hill to visit the cathedral and walk through the Old Town, past the courtyard of Jagiellonian University and medieval Cloth Hall, to visit the 14C St Mary's Church .
Saints War and Warsaw
The city of Oswiecim is better known throughout the world by its German name, Auschwitz, the most infamous site of the Holocaust. Spend some reflective moments amid the remains of the concentration camp and the memorials to those who died. Travel north to Czestochowa to visit the 14th century Monastery of Jasna Gora, famous for the Black Madonna, said to have been painted by St Luke. Continue across the Polish Plains to the country's capital, Warsaw.
On a morning guided tour, see the 'wedding cake' Palace of Culture and the Chopin Memorial in the Lazienki Park. Pay your respects at the Monument of the Ghetto Heroes and, finally, see the reconstructed Old Town, including the Royal Palace.
The Spirit of Berlin
Head towards the west, across rolling farmlands and past Poznan, often called the 'cradle of the Polish State'. Cross the Oder River to enter Germany and continue to its vibrant capital, Berlin. Join a local expert for a drive through the Tiergarten to the refurbished Reichstag building and see the Brandenburg Gate. On the eastern side, take the Unter den Linden past the State Opera House to the Alexanderplatz.
Baroque Dresden on the Elbe and Golden Prague
In Dresden a walking tour introduces you to the Frauenkirche, risen once again from wartime destruction. See the Castle of the Electors of Saxony, including the unique Saxon Wall overlaid with Meissen tiles, the courtyards of the Zwinger Palace and the Opera House.
Then head for the Czech border high in the Ore Mountains and continue to the capital city of Prague. Prague has blossomed since the 'Velvet Revolution', but its unique character remains unchanged. Explore the amazing St Vitus' Cathedral, which is set inside the 1 000-year-old Prague Castle. Cross the river to explore the vast cobblestoned expanse of the Old Town Square and see its famous Astronomical Clock.
Cesky Krumlov and the Bohemian Nobles
Drive through the green Bohemian countryside to Cesky Krumlov, a picturesque medieval town nestled on the banks of the Vltava. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets and arch covered footpaths, past colourful townhouses and centuries old inns, cafes and shops. Enjoy a guided visit to the fairy-tale red roofed castle, considered by many to be the finest in the land.
Stately Vienna and the Habsburgs
Cross the border into Austria and enjoy a delightful drive along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. Vineyards cover hillsides overlooked by ruined castles like Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. In Austria's great Imperial capital, Vienna you will join a local expert for a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens.
The grand boulevard, or ring road, is built along the lines of the old city walls and show-cases many of the capital's architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament building.
This feature packed tour is well paced with two-night stays virtually throughout. This allows time for both sightseeing and leisure in each of the towns and cities visited. All driving days are of a reasonable length with frequent stops.
Priced from R25 575 per person sharing this Insight Vacations premium tour to Eastern Europe includes luxury accommodation with breakfast daily, five evening meals, transport in a luxury air-conditioned coach and more.
Book by April 30 to ensure you take full advantage of the early payment discount of up to 5 percent (R1295 per person) on selected departures from April through to October.
To book contact your ASATA travel agent or Insight Vacations on (011) 280 8400. Visit www.insightvacations.